Meet The AMG G3 6×6 Land Rover Made 35 Years Ago

Remember the crazy three-axle Geländwagen Mercedes-AMG built between 2013 and 2015?

It fused a 5.5-liter 536hp twin-turbo AMG V8 with the six-wheel G-wagen chassis Magna Steyr produced for the Austrian army. Portal axles and five electronic differential locks gave it superb ground clearance and go-anywhere traction, while the AMG motor helped it overcome its gargantuan (9050lb) curb weight to reach 62mph in less than 6 seconds.

But it turns out the AMG wasn’t Europe’s first six-wheeled V8-powered off-road mutant.

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6 By Brabus Has 700 HP, $1 Million Price Tag

This equally freaky Land Rover Series 3 features the rare Stage 1 V8 engine (most were feeble four-cylinder petrols and diesels), and an even more exclusive three-axle conversion.

The Landie came off the production line in 1981 as a standard short-wheelbase Series 3 109 V8 before being shipped to Townley Cross Country Vehicles for the 6×6 surgery.

Called the Townley 6, the conversion added 30-inches to the existing 109-inch wheelbase, plus the extra axle, increasing the vehicle’s payload and giving it some serious attitude.

Up for sale at the Land Rover Centre Huddersfield in the UK for $55,800 (£39,995), but ready to be shipped worldwide, this example is believed to be one of only two converted, though the pictures in the original brochure suggest more were made.

It was used as a proper workhorse by its original owner, who hauled pipes around in the extended bed. The 6×6 then changed hands a couple of times before laying dormant until 2016 when the owner commissioned a bespoke galvanised chassis to kick start a two-year rebuild.

The dealer describes it as being ‘not for the faint hearted’ which suggests it’s a bit of an animal, and not because it’s in any danger of scaring the G63 in a straight line.

The 3.5-litre V8 in these old Land Rovers was rated at a miserable 91bhp, and even the 166lb ft of torque is nothing to get excited about.

But this 6×6 would be a great addition to a true Land Rover nut’s collection. And it’s over $200k cheaper than the new Defender Works Trophy.